Campus Recreation

Volume 19, Issue 1 Think Purple! Think Campus Rec! Think Western! Spring 2015

I think many of us get caught up in the business of all we do and sometimes need to be reminded of our values and why we do what we do. At Western, as with many universities, we continue to face the challenges of enrollment and fiscal struggles, and the decisions they bring. We are all doing great things and helping people daily. We need to remind ourselves of the good things we accomplish in our daily work, as well as the many blessings we have.

Aside from all the fun, energizing programs and activities we provide, we are planning some key initiatives. One initiative is repurposing spaces to best meet the needs of our patrons. It is as affordable as any “addition” could be.

We have moved our Life Fitness Circuit Series—resistance band equipment—upstairs to the racquetball court on the right as you enter the Court Room. We will promote this as our new Wellness Plaza since it already houses the personal training room and a core area with mats and stretching equipment. This location is not in the busy, louder part of the building and is much less intimidating to those still gaining confidence about working out. The cardio areas and Aquatics Center, with the hot tub and sauna, are also on this level, so it is really a great way to make all needs and services very accommodating for those who desire efficiency and a bit more of a quiet space for their routine.

In conjunction with this space, we are honoring a former student employee, Adam Fox, who passed away last summer. A piece of artwork has been donated to us by his mother. We have worked with the artist, who was a personal training client of Adam’s, to allow other pieces of her work to be showcased on the same wall along with a plaque honoring Adam. Adam’s mother also started a foundation in Adam’s honor, which will benefit those who cannot afford personal trainers. We were very saddened about Adam’s death, yet he is still able to share his joy and passion for fitness.

Downstairs, in the area vacated by the Life Fitness equipment, we will install a highly requested platform area. We can lock this area when not in use,

and provide supervision and instruction when it is open. A wall is being added so this space will exist adjacent to a fitness studio. All the weight equipment will now be on the lower level of the Rec Center.

In these challenging times it is the people like you, who we work with and continue to have valuable and lasting relationships, who make our days and work all seem right and worthy in this big picture. We simply must always remember where we came from and value the people we have in our lives.

A wonderful example of the Western Connection at work is the RecShare we put together with the University of Iowa this past year. It just started with a phone call between JT Timmons and I. JT is a 2002 alumnus of Western, who was a graduate assistant in Campus Recreation. He is now the Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Iowa. I wanted our students and staff to share some ideas and see his facilities. Pat McGrath and Dustin Van Sloten worked with a few of JT’s staff to make the real work happen. Kudos to all involved and a special thanks to Iowa for hosting a great regional opportunity to inspire students in our field. We took 24 students and three staff members to RecShare. We had great tours and open discussions beneficial to all! We were joined by others for a total of approximately 80. Thanks, JT, for paying it forward to our future professionals, and the loyalty and value for the past!

Western has been a life changer for me and many of you! Let’s keep these valuable caring connections alive! As I write this I am saddened to know one of the finest people I’ve been extremely blessed and fortunate to work with, will be leaving us and have moved by the time we return from NIRSA. Jody Zscheck is retiring from WIU to move to Oklahoma where her husband has been working in his new job. We will miss Jody immensely! We are all wishing the very best for the Zschecks as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Please stop by our Western Connection social in Grapevine! We would all love to see you. We had a super gathering of 35+ people last year. Let’s keep up that tradition by connecting and sharing our awesome people and ideas! If you aren’t attending NIRSA and we haven’t heard from you in a while, please drop us a note or give us a call! Spread your love and treat everyone as you would your grandmother!

God Bless! ~Milly

Western Illinois University2 Campus Recreation

~byMattSchaeferCampus Recreation brought back someone

particularly special this year to speak about her career in sports. Katie Carls, a 2008 graduate of Western Illinois University’s Sports Management graduate program, took some time out of her busy schedule to provide students and staff insight into what it is like working in the competitive world of sports. Katie returned to campus in honor of National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Day on Thursday, February 19.

Katie is someone that many of our current students aim to be like after graduating as she has spent some time working in a variety of high profile sporting jobs.

After leaving Western, her first stop was working with the PGA Tour as a Tournament and Event Assistant. From there, Katie spent the next five years working at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis as the Coordinator of Championships and Alliance, Branding and Fan Experience. Katie left the NCAA but remained in the city of Indianapolis for an additional year as Event Coordinator at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Katie’s most recent stop has brought her back to her hometown of Jacksonville, IL at Illinois College where she is currently the Director of Campus Events and Assistant to the President. It was easy for the audience to see how passionate she is about her work. Afterwards, there was no shortage of questions for her as many of the attendees asked for some advice in regard to what it takes to break into the sporting industry after graduating. It seems Katie’s most important quality was being enthusiastic and passionate about what she did at each position. Western Illinois University and Campus Recreation can be proud of Katie and her accomplishments.

The Spencer Student Recreation Center is sporting new banners above the arena. This effort has given long overdue recognition for the 1968, 1969 & 1970 Water Polo; the 1999, 2000, & 2001 Bowling; and the 2010 Disc Golf Sport Club teams. Four of the banners feature successful individuals who have a connection to Campus Recreation--Joe Decker, Judy Gedney, Megan Ervin, and Sophie Simmons. For more information, visit our website at wiu.edu/campusrec and click on “Our Success Stories” in the left navigation.

Pictured left to right, Matt Schaefer, Rec Events graduate assistant; Dr. Algerian Hart, Kinesiology; Milly MacDonell, Director of Campus Recreation; Katie Carls, Illinois College Director of Campus Events and Assistant to the President; and Dr. Darcy Plymire, Kinesiology.

On Thursday, February 12, a combination of 128 WIU students, staff and family members traveled to Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park in Andalusia, IL in partnership with the Center for International Studies. This trip doubled last year's record attendance!

3Western Connection Spring 2015

Midnight Mardi Gras started in 2000. This year, Rec Events GA, Leslie Ducay, added a new twist. She set up a bar offering MADD’s most popular mock-tails. In addition to Frozen Lavas & Ruby Slippers, Leslie added a couple recipes of her own. Her Cherry Root Beer Floats were decadent!

Big Pink Volleyball has raised nearly $112,000 since its beginning in April 2002. Over 13,300 students and employees have participated in this event.

Campus Recreation will host several events this spring with proceeds going to charities. We are working with the National Residence Halls Honorary to sponsor the 11th Annual eXtreme Dodgeball Tournament. All proceeds and t-shirt sales for this event are donated to the Illinois Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We continue to work with the Center for International Studies to host the Outdoor World Cup Soccer Tournament. Entry fees from the weekend tournament will go to the Western Illinois Regional Council - Community Action Agency.

Join us as we salute Dr. John ColgateFriday, July 24, 2015

18 Hole, Scramble, 4-Person Teams Harry Mussatto Golf Course

Prizes will be awarded.Cost is $50.00/player, includes green fees & cart

Lunch will be provided.11:00 AM Start, 10:00 AM Sign-in begins

Youarewelcometosignupevenifyoudonothaveateamoffour.Wecanaddyoutoateamonthedayoftheevent.

Dr. John Colgate was the Coordinator of Campus Recreation and Professor of Physical Education at Western Illinois University from September 1964 through August 1994. Over the years, Dr. Colgate has mentored hundreds of students and professionals here at Western. “Doc” is passionate about the game of golf. He has played in several amateur events, and attempted to qualify for the USGA Senior Amateur 12 times. “Doc” still plays golf year round.

The “Colgate Classic” is a tournament to honor Dr. Colgate and his contributions and to raise money for professional development opportunities for Western Illinois University students interested in recreational sports.

"If you cannot attend and wish to support the professional development of our students, donations are appreciated!" ~Milly MacDonell, Director of Campus Recreation

Contact Nick Knowles at (309) 298-2641 or NS-Knowles@wiu.edu to register by Friday, July 17, 2015. Payment is not due until day of event. Proceeds go to the Campus Recreation Student Development Fund.

Western Illinois University4 Campus Recreation

Our third bench press competition went very well during the fall of the year. We had a lot of fun seeing the student participants compete against one another. Judy and Roger Gedney helped judge the event along with two judges from the Salvation Army.

We had our first Zumba party of the year this spring. We packed Court 3 and danced for a solid two hours. It was so popular, a similar event is being planned for outside on Hanson Field at the end of April---Fitness Frenzy! Our WIU Campus loves ZUMBA!

For several years, Campus Recreation has been a sponsor of the Go Red Luncheon to promote heart-healthy living on our campus. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. The students in the Dietetics, Hospitality and Fashion Merchandising 356 Catering class prepared the food for the luncheon.

The 3rd Annual Fallen Soldiers 5k had 508 runners/walkers (2013 - 457, 2012 - 310) and raised more than $20,400 for the The Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund. Save the date for October 10, 2015 for the 4th Annual Fallen Soldiers 5K.

Nearly Naked Mile - On Saturday, February 21, 62 students and members of the community came together to participate in the second annual Nearly Naked Mile. Participants ran a mile route around campus while "Freezin' for a Reason" to help raise money for local charities This year, proceeds from the race benefited the McDonnough County YMCA's Youth Scholarship Program and Sgt. Teddy's Friends, a program designed to help put stuffed animals in area police cars to provide comfort to children in times of distress.

5Western Connection Spring 2015

Tiara A. CashM.S., KinesiologyTA-Cash@wiu.edu

Originally from Memphis, TN, Tiara came to Western Illinois University as a proud graduate of Arizona State University. Tiara graduated from College of Health Promotions with a B.S. degree in Exercise and Wellness and a 3.89 GPA. During her undergraduate years

she developed a passion for sports. She expanded her passion in Campus Recreation where she worked in different programs including intramurals, fitness, wellness, and customer service. She has continued her interest here at Western, earning a graduate assistantship in both Facility Management and Sport Clubs.

While attending Western, her understanding of sports grew when she realized her calling involved helping former athletes, like herself, enhance their skills and development for life after graduation. Because of this, she began working as a volunteer with Life Skills in Athletics and the Track and Field team at WIU.

Tiara hopes to continue developing her mission in helping athletes within the next couple of years by working to earn a doctorate degree. She hopes to turn a dream of helping athletes into a business of personal development. In the meantime, she hopes to work in Athletics or Campus Recreation in a college/university setting before going back to school.

Tiara would like to first thank God and her family who have supported her through all of her endeavors. She would also like to thank all of her professors, mentors, and friends at both Arizona State University and Western Illinois University where she was able to lay down the ground work for her passion and begin her journey into life without sports.

Concentrations:SportPsychology;Fitness/WellnessManagementPersonalMotto:Inspire,Influence,andEmpower

Leslie C. Ducay, College Student Personnel, Class of 2016, will be working with the University 100 program for freshmen next fall.

Leslie currently works as the Rec Events and Student Development graduate assistant where she expresses her passions in student engagement and growth by creating events, workshops, and activities for the students of Western and student employees of Campus Recreation.

Alaina M. Di Giorgio, Sport Management, Class of 2016, will be a graduate assistant with the WIU Athletic Department in the fall. She has been the Fitness Services, Personal Training graduate assistant.

Alaina hopes to continue her education after graduation in a doctoral program focusing on sociology of sport.

Sara Frederick (SM ‘14) is a Recreational Specialist for the Waterford Park District, Waterford, Michigan. In September of 2014, Sara received the WIU Division of Student Services Graduate Student of the Month Award. Sara was the Campus Rec graduate assistant for Rec Events.

Nick Maentanis (SM ‘14) is the Coordinator of Open Recreation at Northern Illinois University Student Recreation Center in DeKalb, IL. Nick was a Campus Rec graduate assistant for Facility Management.

Emily Sparks (SM ‘14) is interning at University of Iowa. She was our graduate assistant for Facility Management.

Campus Recreation used a multiple platform marketing campaign for a new event. Digital displays, posters, Twitter, table tents, Facebook, tabling and Snapchat were used to promote the night. Super Smash Legends of the Rec was the idea of grad assistant, Kyle Randolph, and student employee/marketing assistant, Armando Nieves. The gaming night brought in 72 students to compete for prizes, with more than 25 spectators on hand to “encourage” the players. Two generations of the game, N64 & Wii U, were offered for players to compete. Organizers were pleased with the interest in the Friday night event and hope to repeat it in a league or tournament next year.

Western Illinois University6 Campus Recreation

Heather (Kraus) Arnett (FM ‘03) is a Group Fitness Instructor at Crunch Fitness in San Francisco Bay Area.

Alex Backes (SM ‘09) has been promoted to Product Analyst at Modern Woodmen of America in Rock Island, Illinois. He was on the planning committee for the Modern Woodmen of America’s Race to Knock Out Hunger 5K in September of 2014.

Dr. Michael Bradley (RPTA ‘06) received the Excellence in Scholarship Award at the annual College of Health Science meeting at Eastern Kentucky University.

Jen Braun (SM ‘01) is an Instructor in the Department of Kinesiology at Monmouth College. She brought her Foundation of Education class to tour the Spencer Recreation Center. Campus Rec staff spoke to the students about careers in recreational sports.

Katie Carls (SM ‘08) is in the new position at Illinois College, Director of Campus Events. She was also selected as speaker for National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day at Western Illinois University.

Mike Chadee (SM ‘07) married Deepti Vanguri on June 21, 2014.

Robert “Rob” Clark (MBA ‘99) passed away on February 1, 2014.

Leah Hall-Dorothy (SM ‘89) became the Director of Recreational Sports for Oregon State, Corvallis on January 1, 2015.

Caitlin Davis Justice (RPTA ‘11) is Account Executive for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Charlie Lockenour (SM ‘89) is serving as the President of the Illinois Athletics Directors Association.

Dan Mahoney (SM ‘06) Chair of Sport Management Department at Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO brought his Facilities and Event Management class to tour the Recreation Center and discuss careers in recreational sports.

Molly McKeogh (SM ‘11, CSP ‘12) is a Residence Coordinator at LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA.

Kate (Gossell) DeGross (SP/FM ‘13) works with Curt McReynolds (BS ‘02, SM ‘04) at Boys and Girls Club for Dundee Township.

Cassie (Kinnamon) Mosley (MBA ‘01) is the Vice President-Commercial Lending Division for First Bankers Trust Company, Quincy, Illinois.

Richard M. Thompson (RPTA ‘94), Associate Director for Campus Operation at College of William and Mary, Richmond, VA received the 2014 Staff Service Award from the Alumni Association.

Kristen (Tripicchio) Nesvacil (WPFM ‘05) has been named the Director of Campus Recreation and Athletics Facilities at Bradley University.

Kevin Palermo (SM ‘14) is a police officer with Lincolnshire Police Department.

Kristen Obert (BS ‘11 Ex Sci ‘13) is the Fitness Director at Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

Kari Osborne (SM ‘08) married Jonathan Albarado on December 13, 2014 in Slant, Virginia. Also, Kari received the Presidential Merit Award at Texas A&M, Commerce in December 2014 and has been promoted to the Associate Director of Campus Recreation.

Congratulations to Larry Rhodes (SM ‘05) and his wife, Valerie, on the birth of their daughter, Addison.

Congratulations to Joel Storm (RPTA ‘07) and his wife, Hillary, on the birth of Liam Bradley on May 21, 2014.

Chuck Thomas (BS ‘12, RPTA ‘13) is the Coordinator for Membership Services, University of Iowa Recreational Services.

JT Timmons (SM ‘02) hosted RECshare at the University of Iowa. University of Iowa and WesternIllinois University offices of campus recreation held a collaborative development opportunity for professionals in collegiate recreation and students pursuing a career in the field.

Ryan Tubbs (SptPsyc ‘14) is the Intramural Sports & Facility Coordinator at American University in Washington, DC.

Scott Vandermoon (SM ‘06) and wife Tanya (BS ‘07) welcomed a daughter, Madelyn “Maddie” Louise Vandermoon.

Scott Vandermoon (SM ‘06) and John Washo (SM ‘03) were football officials for the NAIA football quarterfinals in Sioux City, Iowa.

7Western Connection Spring 2015

Rusty Vineyard (RPTA ‘05) is Associate Director of University Recreation at Seattle University.

Samantha Wallace (SM ‘14) is the Youth and Activities Coordinator at the University of Arizona.

James Wayne (BS ‘03 SM ‘06) spoke for the Visiting Lecture Series “Discussion of Leadership and Being a Professional in Campus Recreation”. James is finishing his two-year term as President of the Illinois Intramurals-Recreational Sport Association.

Nick Waterman (SM ‘14) has accepted the position of Direct Sales Representative with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lori Hyde Wolf, BS ‘90 is a second grade teacher in Ponitac, IL.

This could be YOU! Please update us on what your currently doing and any achievements you have received at c-recreation@wiu.edu or go to our “Contact Us” page at wiu.edu/campusrec.

Tiara Cash, Sport ClubsWellness and Fitness ManagementArizona State University

Alaina DiGiorgio, Fitness Services Personal TrainingSport ManagementWestern Illinois University

Brandon De Cook, Intramural SportsSport ManagementSimpson College

Leslie Ducay, Rec Events & Student DevelopmentCollege Student PersonnelPacific Luthern University

Sara Frederick, Rec EventsSport ManagementCentral Michigan University

Alyssa Gaudreault, Fitness Services Group FitnessSport and Exercise PsychologyUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

Austin Hetzer, Facility Management & Fitness Services WellnessStrength and Conditioning/Human Movement PerformanceWestern Illinois University

Jeffery Lindsey, Facility ManagementPolitical ScienceWestern Illinois University

Nick Maentanis, Facility ManagementSport ManagmentEastern Illinois University

Stephanie Nielsen, Intramural SportsSport ManagementJames Madison University

Kyle Randolph, Multimedia MarketingMaster of Business AdministrationWestern Illinois University

Austin Pearson, Outdoor PursuitsStrength and Conditioning/Human Movement PerformanceWestern Illinois University

Scott Poulos, Intramural SportsLaw Enforcement & Justice AdministrationWestern Illinois University

Matthew Schaefer, Rec EventsSport ManagementTruman State University

Jesse Sheets, Outdoor Pursuits & Facility ManagementRecreation, Parks & Tourism AdministrationUniversity of Alberta

Emily Sparks, Facility ManagementSport ManagementUpper Iowa University

Patrick Thomas, Facility ManagementSport ManagementWestern Illinois University

Kristi Tschudin, Facility ManagementSport ManagementWestern Illinois University

Kyle Randolph, Multimedia Marketing & Aquatics Management graduate assistant, is hanging out at the Rec.

Western Illinois University8 Campus Recreation

You are invited to attendWestern ConneCtionWednesday, April 1

7:00-9:30 pmGaylord Texan

Suite 8125Grapevine, TX

Assistant Director, Heather (Higgins) Althoff (BS ‘99, RPTA ‘00), is leaving the Harry Mussatto Golf Course on March 27 for a position with Dot Foods in Mount Sterling, IL. We wish Heather the very best in her new venture!

Alan Arvin, Manager of Sports Facilities, loves being outdoors. He is especially ready for the weather to warm up so he can get out on his 2015 Harley Davidson Road King.

Director of Golf, Mel Blasi’s (BS ‘87), father, Francis M. Blasi, peacefully passed away on July 31, 2014.

Marsha Grotts, Facility Manager/Supervisor, has two awesome grandsons and is looking forward to the birth of her first granddaughter at the end of May. She can’t wait for warmer weather to work in her garden and get out motorcycle riding again.

Director of Fitness, Kelley Kenady (BS ‘03, KIN ‘05), had a daughter on April 25, 2014. Her name is Kaylin Grace, and she is adorable. Her son Kenady is in the first grade. He loves baseball and shoveling snow.

Director of Sport Clubs & Facility Management, Nick Knowles (BS ‘02, RPTA ‘07) is an IHSA Football Official. His crew reached the second round of the playoffs this year for the first time. He is in his second year teaching as an adjunct in RPTA.

Director of Campus Recreation, Milly MacDonell’s (KIN ‘00) father, Louis “Poppy” MacDonell, peacefully passed away on November 27, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Director of Aquatics Management & Outdoor Pursuits, Pat McGrath (RPTA ‘ 11) serves on the WIU First Year Experience Planning subcommittee.

Business Manager, Julie Terstriep (BS ‘88, RPTA ‘13) was selected as the IHSA Official of the Year in Girls Volleyball. Julie has also been named chairperson of the NIRSA Creative Excellence Committee for 2015.

Campus Recreation Professional Staff, March 2015Front Row: Dustin Van Sloten, Kelley Kenady, Nick Knowles, Milly MacDonellMiddle Row: Marsha Grotts, Connie Van Dyke, Judy YeastBack Row: Jody Zscheck, Alan Arvin, Julie Terstriep, Pat McGrath

Assistant Facility Manager, Connie Van Dyke’s youngest son, Jacob (BS ‘05), was married on June 20, 2014 to Sadie Luper (BS ‘04).

Director of Intramural Sports & Student Development, Dustin Van Sloten (SM ‘01), has been selected to the NIRSA National Basketball All Tournament Committee.

Associate Director & Director of Rec Events, Judy Yeast (SM ‘81), is so proud of her new grandson, Micah Tanney. Micah was born to Ashley and Mitch on June 2, 2014. Their daughter, Melissa (BS ‘08) married Leandro Telles on January 10, 2015.

Jody Zscheck (BA ‘04, BS ‘13), Graphic Designer Associate, retires April 1--no foolin’!. She is moving to the Tulsa, Oklahoma area with her husband, Steve. The Zschecks will miss all the friends they have made during the past 25 years in Macomb.